HELP!

[Southern Focus]

I have been reading up on lighting and I am so confused and I really have no clue where to start.

I have been doing location photography and rely on my camera (D50) flash and natural light. I am looking to improve that aspect of my photography.

I am also looking at doing some experimentation with backdrops and studio items. I have purchased (very cheap on ebay) an unbrella continueous light kit and a couple of backdrops.

I need some recommendations for some inexpensive lighting techniques and tools.

Also, do I back light the backdrop?

Please don't think I am expecting to be given everything. I am willing to do some research. But it seems that when it comes to this topic, there are many opinions. Also, please remember I am new to the lighting thing...so please try to talk to me with that in mind. LOL

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[ptmurphy]

Go to http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/ and go through their lighting 101 series. You will see ideas on how to start experimenting with off-camera flash, what equipment you need, and how to do it without breaking the bank.

 

[Southern Focus]

Thanks for that! I can hardly wait to get home and look it up and dig in! I keep getting pros that give me lighting suggestions that are way off my budget! And then I keep getting conflicting information. It is frustrating!

 

[Peter Berressem]

Your on-board camera flash won't take you far, even for strobist attempts you'd need an external flash.

If you realy want to have 'fun' with studio lighting (portraits, people?) I'd suggest to buy a basic studio flash(kit) with model light and decent light modifiers. You may be surprised at how low-budget the start can be...$300 - 500 will do.

--
cheers, Peter

Germany

 

[Jerry Zaun]

Here is some reading for you.
J Zaun

http://super.nova.org/DPR/

http://jzportraits.home.att.net/

http://www.vividlight.com/articles/1615.htm

http://thephotocollege.com/TPC-PSDOSamplePages.pdf

 

[Southern Focus]

Thanks for the references! That is exactly what I was looking for. I want to learn it. and I do not expect to be handed anything! (you would be amazed how newbies are treated on some other forums)

I could also use some advice on some good books on lighting. One that could be carried in my camera bag would be perfect.

I am starting my business...but I am staying well within my knowledge. I want that business to expand...which means I have to expand my knowledge!

 

[Kent Johnson]

I'd respectfully suggest that you provide some examples of what type of work you wish to produce and work backward from there. In this way we can tell you the dollar amount and type of lighting that was used on a particluar shoot.
An excellent book is "Light. Science and Magic" by Hunter and Fuqua
ISBN 0-240-80275-6
Regards,
-Kent

 

[Southern Focus]

That is a great idea. I will look around and see what I can find.

Looks like a trip to Barnes and Noble is in order! LOL

 

[skysi]

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[PixelMover]

If you do read the strobist site, you'll probably see them at some point recommending this book: "Light, Science and Magic, 3rd edition"

Possibly the best $20 you'll ever spend if you are serious about learning about light. Read the book and try to copy each example yourself. Most of them you can honestly do with just a desk lamp and some home-made light modifiers, as this is a book about the core priciples of lightng, not about gear.

 

[MagicNikon]

I am a former Nikon user, and I can tell you that I loved using the Nikoln CLS system with the SB600s and SB800.

I had one SB800 and 3 SB600s that I got very pleasing results with.

Speedlights pack down very small and you dont even need a light stand....you can use something like a SuperClamp to mount lights ina variety of places.

--
If you like what I can do with cards, wait til you see what I do with the limes.